Illegal mobile jammers to be removed: PTA

In view of service problems faced by consumers, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has asked all the users of illegal jammers to remove the unauthorized devices immediately otherwise action will be initiated against violator as per Pakistan Telecom (Re-Organization) Act 1996.

It has been repeatedly informed that jammer(s) installed in public and private places across Pakistan are causing problem in cellular mobile networks and their Quality of Service. Those jammers seriously impact the service quality and resultantly increase the dissatisfied customers and complaints.

It may be mentioned that Government of Pakistan has issued a Policy under which an Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) has been constituted having secretariat in Ministry of IT (MoIT) with mandate to authorize the use of jammers and disabler devices in the context of national security.

Installation of jamming devices /disablers without permission is illegal. PTA as a regulator is vigilant and taking measures to stop this unlawful activity. In this connection PTA has warned all those involved in selling or installing of jammers to stop such unlawful activities, otherwise strict action will be initiated against them as per the law.

PTA also carries out extensive field surveys to identify illegal/unauthorized users of frequency spectrum and coordinates for its vacation from them. For persistent unauthorized users, PTA and FIA conduct joint raids for vacation and seizure of wireless equipment. PTA has removed around 60 jammers across Pakistan during current year to ensure interference free spectrum for the telecom operators.

Use of jammer without permission is illegal. The individuals or institutions must get No Objection Certificates (NOCs) before installation of such devices in order to ensure interference free spectrum for legitimate licensee and improved service quality.